CUEA Welcomes New Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Rev. Prof. Elias Omondi Opongo, SJ

A new chapter has begun at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) with the assumption of office of Rev. Prof. Elias Omondi Opongo, SJ, as the University’s new Rector and Vice-Chancellor, effective Tuesday, 1st September 2026.

His appointment follows the conclusion of the tenure of the immediate former Vice-Chancellor, Very Rev. Prof. Stephen Mbugua Ngari, whose term ended on 31st August 2026 following an elaborate and orderly handover process.
The transition ceremony, preceded by Holy Mass, brought together members of the University community and key stakeholders to mark the leadership transition.
In his remarks, the Chair of the University Council, Rt. Rev. Mark Kadima, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Bungoma, challenged the incoming Vice-Chancellor to embrace the call of the day’s Scripture readings by remaining available, reliable and to persevere, particularly during challenging moments.

Drawing from Luke 4:18–19, which echoes the prophetic words of Isaiah (Is. 61:1-2), Bishop Kadima reminded the new Vice-Chancellor of Christ’s mission:
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord.”

He also called upon CUEA staff and the wider University community to give maximum support and cooperation to the incoming Vice-Chancellor as he takes up the responsibility of leading the institution.
Most Rev. Philip Anyolo, Archbishop of Nairobi and Pro-Chancellor of CUEA, witnessed the occasion and commended all parties for ensuring a very orderly transition. He expressed appreciation to the outgoing Vice-Chancellor for his leadership, particularly in steering the University through a period of successful recovery.

Also present were Rev. Andrew Kaufa, the new AMECEA Secretary General and member of the CUEA Council; Deputy Vice-Chancellors; University Executive Directors; the Legal Officer; and other members of the University leadership.
As CUEA welcomes its new Rector and Vice-Chancellor, the University community looks forward to a new season of faith-filled leadership, academic excellence, innovation, service and renewed institutional growth.